I'm going to sound like a hypocrite here because of what I wrote about giacchino using Williams' themes but, I'm really digging this RCP version of the theme. Arnold is back, the film needs this theme. Maybe it's just me salivating for a complete T2 score that will never come, but after beltrami and elfmans scores used so little of fiedel's stuff, this feels right. The synth vocals give me chills. Just like the original. I can't f****** wait!!

... after beltrami and elfmans scores used so little of fiedel's stuff, this feels right. The synth vocals give me chills. Just like the original. I can't f****** wait!!

This is why I'm buzzed for this one. While I enjoyed both Beltrami's and Elfman's efforts, they ultimately were hampered by whoever made the decision to not go full-synth with those scores. Thoughtless, if you ask me. I don't see Balfe and Zimmer making that mistake, and I think that is the reason why they were (wisely) assigned this after Christophe Beck (wisely) departed.

Maybe it's just me, but this seems to have a bit more 'oomph' to it that T3 and T4 were lacking. Balfe seems to be a great choice for this project! If not him, I would've gone with Tom Holkenborg as a close second

Generyc but listenable. Judging from the album, Lorne himself is a terminator. Until the last cue 'Terminated' it is pretty much a new Transformers score.

Hey, don't diss the TRANSFORMERS scores. The first, in particular, is GREAT!

But like you, I was also disappointed in Balfe's score. Much of it sounds like rather generic Remote Control stuff, with the occasional "Fiedel percussive hits" here and there. Granted, I've only heard it in the film itself, so I'm willing to give the album a chance, but I was NOT impressed.

Then again, I hate listening to the original Fiedel scores too, but at least they have a very pronounced presence in the films. This did not, really.

This is why I'm buzzed for this one. While I enjoyed both Beltrami's and Elfman's efforts, they ultimately were hampered by whoever made the decision to not go full-synth with those scores. Thoughtless, if you ask me. I don't see Balfe and Zimmer making that mistake, and I think that is the reason why they were (wisely) assigned this after Christophe Beck (wisely) departed.

Unfortunately, Balfe and Zimmer didn't take the Chappie route for this one: